Notre Dame Must Shut Down Premier Arizona State WR Jaelen Strong
By Nick Wilder
@NickCWilder
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
As Notre Dame continues to prepare for their critical game against No. 9 Arizona State on Saturday afternoon, one thing remains clear: The Fighting Irish must find a way to contain standout Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong. The Pac 12 South Division leaders are certainly a well-rounded team, which is coming off a solid overtime victory over No. 20 Utah, but Strong is the biggest threat this team has to knocking Brian Kelly’s squad out of College Football Playoff contention.
Strong has been proven to be one of the most consistent wide receivers in the country this season. Through eight games, he has accumulated 821 receiving yards (14th nationally), eight touchdowns (T-7th nationally) and 40 first-down receptions (T-7th nationally). His dynamic combination of speed and athleticism set him apart from almost every receiver in the country.
The junior wide receiver is a smart bet to eventually be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft and make an immediate impact for the team that is fortunate enough to obtain him. He’s drawn numerous lofty comparisons throughout his time at Arizona State, and Kelly said this week that Strong reminds him of former Notre Dame receiver and current Arizona Cardinals wideout Michael Floyd.
Fortunately for Notre Dame, their defense has been above average against the pass so far this season. They’ve allowed an average of 227.3 passing yards per game (65th nationally) and 11 passing touchdowns (T-40th nationally).
The Fighting Irish defensive backs, including Cody Riggs and Cole Luke, will have their hands full Saturday in Tempe. They’ve yet to face a wide receiver of Strong’s caliber this season and must do everything in their power to slow him down. If Notre Dame is able to achieve the difficult task, they will likely come away with their signature win of the 2014 season thus far.
Nick Wilder is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickCWilder and add him to your network on Google.
Ole Miss Bowl Game Scenarios: Week 13 Edition
If there is a team that is at the whim of the changing winds of the college football landscape, it is Ole Miss, as the Rebels could go anywhere from Pasadena to Charlotte. Read More
Florida Cannot Afford to Miss on Coaching Hire
When the Florida Gators have won big, like national championship big, the formula has generally been the same. Read More
Projecting Every CFB Bowl Game — Week 13
Predicting every college football bowl game for the 2014-15 college football season. Read More
Oregon Ducks Week 13 Bowl Game/Playoff Scenarios
Oregon Ducks Bowl Game scenarios still range from the Final Four to Foster Farms. Read More
Auburn Bowl Game Scenarios: Week 13
In the last two weeks, Auburn has gone from the thick of the playoff race to a mid-level SEC bowl tie-in, but where will the Tigers end up? Read More
Notre Dame's Lack of LB Depth Falls On Brian Kelly
Notre Dame's young defense is struggling mightily; why are the Irish forced to start a true freshman at middle linebacker? Read More
Orange Bowl 2014: Week 13 Projection
With Duke's loss to Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech moves into the ACC's tie-in spot, but which team will square off against the Yellow Jackets in the Orange Bowl? Read More
Fan Whiffs on Epic Punch During FSU-MIA Brawl
In a fight that broke out during Saturday’s Florida State-Miami (FL) game, a Hurricanes fan fails on an epic punch that lands him in serious trouble. Read More
Kevin Hart Gives Great Advice to Jameis Winston
Kevin Hart made fun of Jameis Winston to his face, and you better believe it was funny. Read More
Top 5 Current Doak Walker Award Candidates
There are many college RBs putting up great numbers this season, but these five are most likely to win the Doak Walker Award for best RB. Read More
Hoke's Michigan Reputation Damaged Again By Clark
Frank Clark's domestic violence charge just proves that Brady Hoke does not have what it takes to lead this group of young men to success. Read More
Predicting the CFP Rankings For Week 13
A couple of top 10 teams went down in Week 12 of the 2014 college football season, which means fans can definitely expect the rankings to look different in Week 13. Read More